As the new GH¢5 cedis banknote goes into circulation today, one of the unique features of the note is its ability to allow holders scan the currency, using a mobile phone app to access the Bank of Ghana (BoG)website directly.
The link will take users directly to a domain on the site to explain details of the national banknotes to Ghanaians.
According to a member of the Currency Department of the Bank of Ghana, Mr. Dominic Owusu, this is the first time such a modern feature has been embedded on a national currency.
He explained that it is aimed at encouraging Ghanaians to visit the site to learn the unique features of the new GH¢5 note, as well as old currencies.
“The idea is aimed at encouraging Ghanaians[to] learn and know the national currencies,” he said.
Explaining some other features on the GH¢5, Mr. Owusu stated that the new note is smaller compared to the old five cedi note.
He pointed out that when the note is tilted , a Black Star motif makes an up and down pulsing motion while a white 5 figure on the ribbon stays still,
He stated that a portrait of Dr. James Kwegyir Aggrey is visible from both sides when the banknote is viewed towards the light.
He added that under the portrait of Dr. Aggrey there is a watermark highlight on the 5 figure.
“The colour of the denomination figure GH¢5 at the top left changes from green to blue when the banknote is titled while behind the note is the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah,” he said.